2024's must-have technology to support e-learning in schools

Although a classroom in the 2020s might still be recognisable to a child of the 1920s, the world of education is changing rapidly. Gone are the days of chalkboards and textbooks; today, technology plays a crucial role in shaping how students learn. With the rise of e-learning, schools are embracing innovative tools and platforms to enhance the learning experience and cater to the diverse needs of their students.

But with so many options readily available, which software is the right fit for your classroom? 

Read on as we delve into the must-have technology to support e-learning in schools this year.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Despite critics arguing that generative AI such as ChatGPT can negatively impact students' education by facilitating cheating, the effective use of AI in classrooms presents a significant opportunity to unleash creative potential. 

And while AI in education is a hotly-contested topic, its application holds undeniable benefits:

• Adaptive learning - AI-powered platforms can adjust the difficulty of lessons based on student performance, ensuring a challenge that is neither too easy nor too difficult. If a student struggles with a maths concept, an AI-powered learning platform can provide additional practice exercises tailored to their specific needs. 
• Personalised feedback - AI can provide instant and specific feedback on student work, identifying areas for improvement. After submitting an essay, a student can receive AI-generated feedback on their writing style, grammar, and overall message.
• Automated tasks - automated tech can handle routine tasks, such as grading multiple-choice questions, freeing up teachers for more engaging interactions with students. 
• Predictive analytics - AI can analyse data to identify students at risk of falling behind, allowing for early intervention. If a student consistently misses assignments or performs poorly on quizzes, an AI-powered system can flag them as potentially at risk, prompting teachers to provide additional support.

When it comes to selecting AI software that offers compatibility with your school’s existing systems, there are plenty of options.

Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant for education, provides AI-powered chat for the web with commercial data protection at no additional cost. While it's currently only available for institutions offering further and higher education for 18+ year olds, it enables increased collaboration in lots of exciting ways. For example, with Copilot in Microsoft Teams, students can get quick summaries of chats, remote classes, meetings, or calls they are part of. Additionally, its generative features can help students achieve greater clarity with unfamiliar concepts. For example by highlighting paragraphs, Copilot will provide further insights about specific sections, generate a summary, or convert them to a visual element, such as a table.

And only last month Google announced Gemini Education, a new generative AI suite designed to cater to the needs of learning facilities and students. Again, while it is only available to students aged 18+, it is tipped to become a valuable tool for sixth form and college students as they make the transition to independent learning.

Whichever software you opt for, ensure you’re choosing an option that fully complies with commitments made in line with GDPR and data security policies. It’s also really useful both for staff and students alike to have developed an AI policy within your institution, setting out the guidelines for responsible and ethical use and best practices that are relevant to your values and students.

Virtual reality (VR)

VR technology is no longer confined to gaming. Since its introduction to schools around ten years ago, it is rapidly becoming an integral part of education, offering immersive and engaging learning experiences.

VR allows students to experience historical events, explore the human body, or travel to distant lands, all within a safe and controlled environment. Students can use VR headsets to experience a virtual tour of the ancient Roman Colosseum, or they can even explore the inside of a human heart.

This immersive nature of VR can bolster understanding and increase student motivation - after all, students are more likely to remember information they have learned through VR experiences due to active participation in the learning process.

An additional bonus of VR use in classrooms is that it helps provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities, allowing them to participate in experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible. For instance, students with mobility issues can experience the thrill of climbing Mount Everest in a virtual environment. With SEND students often facing barriers within the classroom, this is just one step towards achieving greater equality in the education system. 

If you’re considering purchasing VR equipment for your school, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Invest in durable equipment that will stand the test of time - there’s no point spending money on flimsy headsets that will fall apart within a week.
• Consider storage options - remember that larger devices with more parts will require higher storage and management costs.
• Ensure headsets are compatible with existing systems, e.g. Google Expeditions. 

Augmented reality (AR)

• Location-based - in an educational setting, location-based AR can be used during field trips, outdoor learning activities, and geography lessons, providing students with real-time information about their surroundings and enhancing their understanding of the world.
• Projection-based - by projecting digital content onto physical objects, this type of AR creates an interactive dashboard within the real environment. 
• Superimposition-based - allowing for the modification or replacement of an existing image with new digital elements, superimposition-based AR is especially valuable in fields like history, art, and biology. Students will be able to virtually dissect specimens, examine artefacts, or analyse artworks without the need for physical access.

Interactive large-format displays

It’s important to remember that to deliver meaningful impact on the classroom, it’s useful for LFDs to seamlessly connect with tablets, computers, and the internet, serving as a central base to display all classroom content. Therefore, you should invest in high-quality equipment to save money in the long run:

• While the size of the room should determine the size of your screen, the screen should be large enough to allow the students at the back of the class to be able to easily read a 20pt font. (One of our consultants suggests 25cm of diagonal measurement for every 1m away from the screen a learner might be)
• Try to avoid blurry graphics, particularly for the students at the front - nothing less than 4KUltra HD should be considered.
• Ensure that your device graphics card is capable of outputting at the desired resolution, can connect with the screen, and is compatible with any third party software you use to broadcast content. 

Learning management systems (LMS)

LMS platforms are the central hub for managing e-learning activities, providing a comprehensive environment for curriculum delivery, student progress tracking, and communication. Many LMS systems are also tailored to meet individual needs, allowing students to progress at their own pace - a student who excels in maths can use their LMS to access advanced exercises, while another student can focus on understanding basic concepts. Thankfully they’ve evolved from the clunky, frustrating systems first sold two decades ago!

There are three main types of LMS:

• Cloud-based - a centralised online tool for teachers and students that can be accessed remotely.
• Open-source - a shared digital canvas where teachers and students can shape their own unique learning space.
• Proprietary - high-tech learning management tool with accessibility of its features and functions dependent on secure access controls.

Cloud-based LMS platforms are particularly beneficial - they’ll be able to house all course materials, making them accessible anytime, anywhere. A student can access their notes, assignments, and videos from their LMS platform, even when they are not in school. 

Popular choices include:

• Microsoft 365 Education - investing in a Microsoft package provides access to Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with collaboration tools such as Teams and OneDrive. It also includes educational resources and training materials.
• Google Workspace for Education - Google offers a suite of productivity tools, including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Classroom. 
• Canvas - this cloud-based learning management system supports online and blended learning. It offers features like course creation, grading, communication tools, and analytics to enhance the teaching and learning experience.
• 360learning - with automated admin and AI-assisted content creation, this convenient LMS aims to streamline everyday school life.
• Moodle - a popular open-source option, Moodle offers high levels of customisation which enables schools to tailor content to fit their needs.

If you’re unsure of how to proceed with your ICT strategy and need expert advice, Novatia is on hand to help. From ICT audits and strategies to reliable ICT procurement, we offer comprehensive solutions to ensure your school stays on top when it comes to technology.

To find out more about our services, please get in touch with us today.